About

What is this project about?

We want to capture the spirit of vibrant retail districts in a colorful, entertaining coffee table book. We’re inspired by the thousands of independent retailers that make a difference in neighborhoods across America each and every day.

More than just having merchandise to sell, our mom & pop shopkeepers are community boosters and activists. Small stores such as bike shops, pet stores, toy stores, and boutiques are supporters of local non-profit organizations, animal shelters, and theater groups. These unique shops are neighborhood treasures and benefit local economies as a whole.

We'd like to spotlight a variety of shops in an engaging coffee table book. We'll share retailers' and small business advocates' thoughts on the past, present and future of independent retail.

Why?

Today our world is dominated by big box stores and e-commerce mega stores. According to independent business alliance groups such as Local First Chicago, independent stores put more money back into their local communities than chain stores. They also benefit the environment, create jobs, and promote economic competition and diversity.

Many independent retailers are thriving, but others struggle to keep their doors open. Support by contributing whatever you can to this Kickstarter campaign. Help us spotlight and celebrate these retailers and receive some great rewards.

You’ll see in our reward levels, an option to support your favorite independent retailer with a package of listings on littleindependent.com. Feel free to use these listings for your business or share them with a store in your community.

What is Little Independent?

Founded by an independent retailer, Little Independent is a marketplace for sale items from independent retail stores. We help small stores to work together to enhance visibility online, access new customers, and turn slower selling inventory faster.
Our mission is to be an advocate for independent retailers and to help savvy shoppers to find great independent stores and sale merchandise online.
The website launched in June 2011 and now features more than 80 unique stores in 20 states. There is no cost to add a store and we do not take a percentage of sales when items are sold through our e-commerce platform.

Funding will go towards:

Production expenses, including photography & travel

Creation of materials, content, and graphic design

Publishing costs associated with the coffee table book

Our outcome:

Our bottom line goal is to spread the word about hardworking independent retailers in our nation. We want to showcase the spirit and diversity of small shops and help them reach wider audiences.

Stay in touch!

How Kickstarter Works:

Pledge any amount you’d like and choose one of the listed incentives as your reward. If the total pledges meet our $7,500 goal by the end of our Kickstarter campaign, the credit cards of those who pledged will be charged and we’ll receive the funds. If we don't meet our goal, your pledge money won’t be withdrawn from your account and no incentives are provided. If we exceed $7,500 in pledge money, we’ll use the extra funds to produce more books and promote more stores. You can also increase your pledge once it’s been made. If you want increase your pledge amount, sign in to Kickstarter and access our campaign page. The green “Back This Project” button on our page will have been replaced with a blue “Manage Your Donation” button. Click this to enter a new amount.
Can we exceed the goal?
Absolutely. We’ll receive all money pledged before our campaign deadline.

How do we contact you?

Contact us info@littleindependent.com. We’d be happy to answer any further questions and consider any suggestions that you might have!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

The book! All of the rewards previously listed, PLUS, a signed first edition of this colorful and informative coffee table book, PLUS, 100 free listings on Little Independent for your favorite small shop to list their clearance and other merchandise.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

All previous rewards, PLUS, an enhanced profile including links and social media outreach on our online Indie Retail Supporter Hall of Fame, PLUS, unlimited free listings for one year on Little Independent for your favorite small shop to list their clearance and other merchandise.